Information about Prometrium (Progesterone)
Prometrium is a medication that contains progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and in maintaining pregnancy. It is used to treat various conditions related to hormone imbalances, particularly those affecting women’s reproductive health. Prometrium is often prescribed for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women, to support fertility treatments, and to regulate menstrual cycles.
Product Highlights
- Used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, when combined with estrogen.
- Given to women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help support early pregnancy.
- Used alongside estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women to prevent the thickening of the uterine lining, which could lead to cancer.
- Prescribed for women with irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalances.
- Used to induce menstruation in women who have stopped having periods for various reasons.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Prometrium helps alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
- Provides essential progesterone support during early pregnancy, especially in women undergoing fertility treatments.
- Prometrium can help regulate menstrual cycles and address irregular periods in women with hormonal imbalances.
- It prevents endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining) when used in combination with estrogen therapy.
- As a natural form of progesterone, it may have a more favorable side-effect profile compared to synthetic alternatives.
Direction of Use
- Prometrium is typically taken by mouth in capsule form.
- The dosage is based on the particular condition being treated. For example:
- For hormone replacement therapy, it is usually taken once daily in the evening.
- For luteal phase support in fertility treatments, it is often prescribed multiple times a day.
- For secondary amenorrhea, it may be taken for a specific period to induce menstruation.
- It should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider, and the prescribed dosage and timing should be followed strictly.
- Taking Prometrium with food or before bedtime may help reduce side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.
Safety Concerns
- Hormone replacement therapy with progesterone may increase the risk of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE), especially in women with preexisting risk factors.
- Long-term use of combined estrogen and progesterone may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Progesterone can affect liver function, so women with liver disease or a history of liver problems should use it with caution.
- Some women may experience mood changes, depression, or anxiety while taking Prometrium.
- Weight gain may occur in some users due to hormonal changes.
- Prometrium may cause drowsiness or sedation, so it’s advised to take it in the evening to minimize daytime sleepiness.
- Though rare, some women may experience allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, or swelling.
Avoid Prometrium (Progesterone) If
- You are allergic to progesterone or any of the substances in Prometrium.
- You have a history of blood clots, stroke, or other vascular diseases, as progesterone therapy may increase the risk of these conditions.
- You have a history of liver disease or liver tumors, or are currently experiencing them.
- You are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, as progesterone can alter early pregnancy.
- You have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, as it is important to rule out other conditions such as uterine cancer before starting treatment.
- You have a history of breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers, as progesterone may exacerbate these conditions.
- You have a history of depression or severe mood disorders unless closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
